Sports
Montreal Tigers squad for GT20 Canada has Whatmore excited
Brampton: Renowned coach Dav Whatmore has expressed his excitement to have a bunch of “incredibly talented players” in the Montreal Tigers squad as they gear up for the Global T20 Canada. The Tigers are among six teams participating the event which will be held from July 20 in Ontario. The squad comprises some of the world’s finest T20 players including Shakib Al Hassan, Andre Russell, Chris Lynn and Carlos Brathwaite.
With less than 20 days to go, the Global T20 Canada will be held at the CAA Centre in Brampton, and is all set to captivate fans across the globe. Amongst the six participating teams in the third edition of the marquee tournament are the Tigers under the guidance of the coaching maestro, Dav Whatmore.
The previous two editions of the competition have seen the Montreal Tigers secure the fifth position on the points table consecutively, however, for this year’s edition they are fielding a rejuvenated squad and are eager to catapult into title contenders.
Whatmore opened up on the exciting squad mix and the team philosophy. “We’ve had a great draft, and I must say we’ve acquired some incredibly talented players to form our squad, that has all of us excited.”
He added: “In a league full of amazing talent, we’ve had the privilege of selecting amazing players who will blow us away with their potential and skills. These individuals possess a unique combination of natural ability, determination and a strong desire for success. I can’t wait to see them in action, representing the Montreal Tigers.”
Whatmore also opened about the team philosophy that drove their decision making ahead of the player draft and the culture he envisions for the team. “Building a successful team involves more than just numbers and statistics, it is about recognising those special qualities that make certain individuals stand out and change the game.
“As a coach it is my responsibility to look beyond the obvious. We believe in nurturing talent, providing opportunities and creating an environment where every player can thrive, we firmly believe every player regardless of their background or experience deserves a fair chance to showcase their abilities and leave their mark on the cricketing world,” he said.
Whatmore reiterated his confidence in his team. “Cricket fans, keep your eyes open, the Montreal Tigers are all set to roar louder than ever in Season 3 of GT20.”
The Montreal Tigers will begin their pursuit of the trophy on the second day of the tournament, where they will take on the new entrants, Surrey Jaguars.
Tickets are available on www.gt20.ca
Montreal Tigers squad: Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, Sherfane Rutherford, Carlos Brathwaite, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Zahir Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Akif Raja, Aayan Khan, Dipendra Airee, Kaleem Sana, Srimantha Wijeratne, Matthew Spoors, Bupendra Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Anoop Chima
Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.
Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.
The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.
According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.
His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.
The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tributes after desert tragedy
Tributes poured in after the deaths.
Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.
Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
Chelsea connection
Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.
The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.
After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.
He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.
(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)
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